Where should I sell some things

[Trusting Jesus]

Where I live, auctions are a big deal and many good buys can be found at these auctions. Well, my family and I attended one last Saturday. It was the estate of a long time resident who had made some interesting investments. We purchased quite a bit, thinking that we would re-sell it at a local consignment store or over the internet, maybe eBay. Just to see what the value of some of the things we purchased we got on the internet and we were shocked. A set of collectors plates which we purchased for $60 is for sale for $1,200.00! There are 2 turquoise necklaces which I am finding on various websites selling for between $700 and $4,950 each. We found a set of antique tools which we paid $25 for online for $95 (in poor condition, ours are in mint condition). Wow.

Anyway, my question is what do you think we should do? I have 3 jewelry cases full of costume jewelry - but quality costume jewelry and "vintage". There may be some real pearl necklaces there, too. We have a brass cannon, a unique glass harliquin clown, hand painted Bavarian china plates, and much more. Does anybody have any ideas of where to sell these treasures or how to find out what they are all worth?

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Nathele

[Guest man]

Check out ebay.

If you don't know how to sell on ebay, they will show you....step by step.......FREE.

[Trusting Jesus]

We have been looking at eBay and have purchased things thru them years ago. I'm just concerned that I won't recognize something "valuable". For instance, these turquoise necklaces. I have been looking into them. My best guess is that they were purchased in the 1950's. This is a guess based on the styles of other jewelry. Well, I have found out that it is called a "Vintage Zuni Squash Blossom" pattern. Now, depending on whether the setting is sterling silver, coin silver, or layered metal the price varies. How do I know what I have? I'm sure a jeweler could tell me that, but then there is the other jewelry. To sell it on eBay I would have to know what I was describing. Would I just say "vintage jewelry"? Or would it be better to go to an antique dealer? Then there is the brass cannon. I know that on eBay I can set a minimum bid, but what should that be?

It is really fun going through all of this. I am afraid to hope too much that we have the "high-end" in value, but I am sure that we will at the very least double our investment - if not more if I do it righ.

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Nathele

[Merin]

Check out ebay.

If you don't know how to sell on ebay, they will show you....step by step.......FREE.

free is good becuase gas is so expensive..... LOL i am done with you Man!!!!! LOL

[Guest man]

We have been looking at eBay and have purchased things thru them years ago. I'm just concerned that I won't recognize something "valuable". For instance, these turquoise necklaces. I have been looking into them. My best guess is that they were purchased in the 1950's. This is a guess based on the styles of other jewelry. Well, I have found out that it is called a "Vintage Zuni Squash Blossom" pattern. Now, depending on whether the setting is sterling silver, coin silver, or layered metal the price varies. How do I know what I have? I'm sure a jeweler could tell me that, but then there is the other jewelry. To sell it on eBay I would have to know what I was describing. Would I just say "vintage jewelry"? Or would it be better to go to an antique dealer? Then there is the brass cannon. I know that on eBay I can set a minimum bid, but what should that be?

It is really fun going through all of this. I am afraid to hope too much that we have the "high-end" in value, but I am sure that we will at the very least double our investment - if not more if I do it righ.

<>< ><>

Nathele

Have the jewelry appraised.

As for the minimum bid......start it out for a dollar.

I believe you can set a hidden price that you want for the items you're selling.......if the bids don't reach that hidden price...you don't have to sell it.

I was told by someone who sells on ebay that you will usually get what the item is worth.

Start the bidding low to get a bidding war going..........like I said...if the bids don't reach your hidden price...you don't have to sell.

If the price you want is 1000 dollars and the ending bid is only 500.....you don't have to accept that bid....unless you want too.

Get your stuff appraised and go from there.

The ebay site will show you how to put your stuff up for auction....free.

Good luck.

[Guest man]

i am done with you Man!!!!! LOL

No you're not.

[Trusting Jesus]

Run over my clown?!?!?! Twice! I might pop a tire! It's not really a harliquin but that's the closes description I can come up with. It's really a very attractive piece trimmed in gold. Thanks for your advice --- I think

So, eBay seems like the best way for me to go. I will try to get the jewelry appraised and go from there.

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Nathele

[Hunterpoet]

I was told that e-bay is not a good place to price anything. It is very easy for someones " friends " to hike the price up.

Taking your items to a local antique dealer is also risky, because they will never tell you the true price.

Your best bet is to do the research yourself. Also, find a licensed apprasier. This may cost you a few bucks, but well worth it. Don't ask about selling or purchase prices, be more concerned with what to insure it for.

You could also try to contact some of those appraisers on the antigue road show or just attend one if possible.

[lakefrontgirlmi]

Where I live, auctions are a big deal and many good buys can be found at these auctions. Well, my family and I attended one last Saturday. It was the estate of a long time resident who had made some interesting investments. We purchased quite a bit, thinking that we would re-sell it at a local consignment store or over the internet, maybe eBay. Just to see what the value of some of the things we purchased we got on the internet and we were shocked. A set of collectors plates which we purchased for $60 is for sale for $1,200.00! There are 2 turquoise necklaces which I am finding on various websites selling for between $700 and $4,950 each. We found a set of antique tools which we paid $25 for online for $95 (in poor condition, ours are in mint condition). Wow.

Anyway, my question is what do you think we should do? I have 3 jewelry cases full of costume jewelry - but quality costume jewelry and "vintage". There may be some real pearl necklaces there, too. We have a brass cannon, a unique glass harliquin clown, hand painted Bavarian china plates, and much more. Does anybody have any ideas of where to sell these treasures or how to find out what they are all worth?

<>< ><>

Nathele

Ebay is a good option but if they are good costume jewelry items there are antique dealers all over, most likely not far from you, that purchase those types of things at better prices than you may get on ebay or other auction places. Have you thought of taking them to a boutique nearby, one that specializes in different things, (not the ordinary stuff you can find just anywhere)? Id deff try an antique dealer first!!

[Trusting Jesus]

That's good advice, Hunterpoet. Thank you. I will check into finding an appraiser....although, it just might be discouraging! That's ok, though. I know that we should be able to at least get what we paid.

Cobalt1959, here's an idea for you. Mother's Day is coming soon. Why not buy your wife a nice porcelin clown, white trimmed in blue and gold. He's holding a bunch of flowers. For the right price I can make it into two pieces, three pieces, or more!

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Nathele